Argentina captain Lionel Messi was delighted after leading his country to the World Cup final.

Victory over Croatia sees Messi achieve the feat for the first time.

He said, “I would say the first match [the defeat against Saudi Arabia] was a hard blow because we had been unbeaten in six matches. To start in such a way in a World Cup, we did not think we would lose to Saudi Arabia.

"It was an acid test of the whole squad but we proved how strong we are. We won the other matches and it was very difficult what we did. Every match was a final and we were aware if we did not win things would be complicated for us.

"We have won five finals and I hope this is the case for the final on Sunday. We lost in the first match due to fine details but it helped us to be stronger."

Messi also stated: “I am enjoying this A LOT. I am feeling really good, I feel strong enough to face every match. The previous match was a big sacrifice. Today we were tired but we pulled out strength to earn the victory. We played very well, we preferred to play this way because we knew they would not have the ball. We knew we would have to run. We prepared in a very good way. I feel very happy in this World Cup. I am able to help the squad."